The New York Giants will look for their first win of the season without starting cornerback Eli Apple. Apple suffered a groin injury in the Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys was having a terrific start this season. Apple’s replacement will be journeyman B.W. Webb.
William Wilson (B.W.) Webb, Jr. was originally drafted by the Cowboys with the 114th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. In five NFL seasons, he’s been on five different teams (Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints). Webb played in 49 games with 10 starts, recording 67 combined tackles (59 solo), two interceptions, and 14 passes defended.
He signed a reserve/future contract with the Cleveland Browns on Jan. 1. The Browns released him on Mar. 15 and the Giants signed him four days later. Webb played in both Giants regular season games, recording five combined tackles (four solo). He will make his 11th career start (and first for the Giants) in Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Webb is a cornerback who can play outside or in the nickel. He is known for being able to play in both man and zone coverage but doesn’t excel in either one. This is why he has made so many rosters but never found a niche.
He played collegiately at William & Mary and ran a 4.5 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which is adequate but not special by any means. He does not have a certain strength with his skill set and struggles with inconsistency in his somewhat young career which is a factor in jumping from team to team.
According to Pro Football Focus, Webb is graded as the 96th best cornerback through two games. This makes him a viable option overall considering the Giants use three cornerbacks. Webb is seeing action because of the season-ending shoulder injury to supplemental draft pick Sam Beal.
Overall, the Giants will most miss Apple’s presence on the field against the Texans since Webb seems is a mediocre cornerback at best.
– Christian Morell is a Contributor for Full Press Coverage and covers the NFL and the New York Giants. Please like and follow on Facebook and Twitter. Christian can be followed on Twitter @CMorellNFL.
